Boerenkiel | Brabantsedag 2025
Maquette, Vriendenkring Snoeyen
The Brabantsedag (Brabant Day) is a characteristic concept in Brabant, the Netherlands and even beyond. Every year, on the last Sunday of August, a theatrical parade draws through the streets of the village Heeze and brings history to life in a contemporary way. What started small in 1958 now attracts over 30.000 visitors every year.
The sixteen groups spend months on building the floats that are linked to the history of Duchy of Brabant, each with its own theme and telling a story. The audience is fascinated with the impressive theatre decors, its expressive or endearing theatre play, music, humor, reality, and imagination. In short, the Brabantsedag is a unique experience with culture and entertainment for all ages.
For the parade of 2025 I created a maquette (scale 1:20) based on the design by Marc van Beek for the float for my group Vk Snoeyen, this years theme was ‘Carnaval ontmaskerd’. The theme explores the rich history of carnival and the many rituals and symbols this folk festival has produced over the centuries. They unravel the deeper layers behind the festivities and reveal the story behind the masks. With their surprising floats and impressive performances, they show that carnival is about more than celebration alone.
For our group, we chose to celebrate the ‘Boerenkiel’ as a symbol of equality.
Anyone could wear this simple garment, regardless of status or profession. Wearing the farmer’s smock during Carnival can be considered a tribute to Brabant’s strong agricultural roots. It emphasizes the connection with rural life and the community. Furthermore, the ‘Boerenkiel’ symbolizes the simplicity and accessibility of Carnival: it is a celebration for everyone.